What to do around Pretoria during December holidays

Ok, you’re stuck in Pretoria over the holidays. Breath in & out, this post is a long read but let’s be honest it’s not like you have a beach to go to so this might just help. Being at home over the holidays isn’t necessarily bad, you can do some spring cleaning, get yourself prepped for 2017 considering this year has been brutal or do one of those DIY projects you’ve been postponing. But when all’s said and done December is there to have some fun. We’ve all been here and getting bogged down on what to do in and around Pretoria is a serious dilemma.

Pretobia, an illustration by Pretoria based artist Celeste Theron. Contact her for more, rumours of an exhibition in January is doing the rounds.

*If you only want to figure out plans for New Year’s Eve scroll down to the bottom.

For some holiday distraction we’ve got you covered in no specific order, here are some ideas for in and around the 012. (They link to all the info you need)

Austin Roberts – This bird sanctuary is appropriately named after SA’s greatest ornithologist and is worth a visit.

Duncan yard – Explore this surreal little village with tight passages and many delightful shops.

Black horse brewery – Nestled on the edge of the small town of Magaliesburg this interesting spot boasts accommodation, a wedding venue and more importantly a brewery. We enjoyed “all of” their beer in the lush garden with some pizza and just relaxed the afternoon away.

To the North we have Bela Bela,

Klein Kariba – Yes, it’s the bos version of Hartenbos, but it’s a fun day out, especially if you have kids, there’s lots to do, swimming, hiking, super tube, miniature golf, everything you expect from an ATKV resort. Also, if you want to stay over make sure you choose the mountain huts.

Kievits Kroon – Spoil yourself and even stay for the night if you want. It’s so close and yet it feels like you’re far away from Pretoria.

To the south we have Joburg;

NEW YEAR’S EVE

This should keep you busy for the next week or two but the biggest question of them all is normally what to do on New Year ’s Eve. Over the years we have realized when stuck in Pretoria over New Year’s eve the best thing is to have a good old dinner party/braai with friends and if they have a swimming pool even better. That would be our recommendation but herewith the list of parties and events you could embark upon. Also don’t drink and drive that’s just dumb.

Music Festivals

What: Join the tribes of Johannesburg’s underground dance at this earth quaking, mind baking, soul shaking three-day open air festival, featuring international acts and over 40 of South Africa’s top trance, techno and drum & bass DJ’s with live acts on two stages.

What: Get ready for the most daring 99 Hits rock show ever to hit the Barnyard Theatre stage. Featuring a colourful versatile cast that will rewind to synth pop, new wave and arena rock in the most authentic style. Watch how Elvis takes on Cliff Richard and Cher takes on Mick Jagger, and how Katy Perry takes on Miley Cyrus. Watch the cast go driving down the road with songs such as Little Deuce Coupe by The Beach Boys, Greased Lightning from the musical Grease, Drive my Car by The Beatles, and I Drove all Night by Celine Dion.